BLUES keeper Maik Taylor is hoping to retain his place in the Northern Ireland team tomorrow following a stunning show coming off the bench in the victory against Spain.

The shot-stopper answered the call 11 minutes into last month's European Championship qualifier as Roy Carroll was forced off with a groin strain.

Next up in the group are Denmark and Taylor said: "I want to keep my place in the team but the same goes for every player.

"We all are keen to be involved. I was grateful I got the opportunity against Spain. Obviously, Roy will be disappointed he did not finish the game but that's football.

"It was a bit of a surprise to see him come off but you need to be ready and prepare as if you were starting the game. The first time I was involved was taking a goalkick; the next time I was picking the ball out of the net.

"It was not an ideal start, but to go on and get a victory was an unbelievable effort from everyone."

Taylor believes the next two matches - the province face Latvia at home on Wednesday - could be crucial in the campaign.

He said: "Getting a victory against Spain after the disappointment of losing to Iceland means we have put ourselves in a decent position. If we can take our tally to seven points after the Latvia game, that would give us a bit of hope.

"But we need to look at the game against Denmark first and foremost. We have not done particularly well on our travels.

"Denmark will be ready because by, beating Spain, that has made them sit up and take note. We have to try to stop them scoring early.

"It is a huge game for us and, if we can take something from it, then it will raise our spirits going into the Latvia match."